GFH outlines plans for Leeds

28 September 2012 11:18

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GFH Capital, the Bahrain-based investment company who on Thursday announced they had signed an exclusive agreement to lead a takeover of Leeds, have revealed details of their plans for the npower Championship club.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Gulf Finance House, have been negotiating with current Leeds owner Ken Bates throughout the summer, but only on Thursday did any real detail come to light.

Following comments by Bates last Saturday that he was speaking to potential investors from the Middle East, GFH penned a letter to the Bahrain stock exchange to confirm they were leading the "acquisition" of the Elland Road club. On Friday, a statement outlined their plans which focus on helping the club return to the Premier League.

"(GFH Capital's) intentions, if successful in its acquisition, is to move the club back to the Premier League as quickly as possible and help to build a sustainable future for the club, both on and off the field," they said.

"This is expected to not only benefit the club and the surrounding community, but also the entire city of Leeds."

Hisham Alrayes, chief executive of GFH, added: "Like many around the world, people from Bahrain and across the Gulf are passionate about the game of football and notably, English clubs - their successes and hardships are a daily talking point.

"In so many instances this is what bridges the gap between borders and different cultures. We are excited by our intentions for Leeds United and remain fully focused on the specifics of this deal, hoping to conclude a positive outcome as soon as possible."

Employees of GFH have been photographed with Bates in his box over recent weeks and one of them, chief executive David Haigh, is a Leeds fan who has been public in his support of the club through his Twitter account over recent days.

He said: "As a club, Leeds United has it all - passionate loyal fans, a great heritage and masses of potential to return to the Premier League with the right, sustainable investment."